COLUMN: I bought a flag today

I bought a flag today. I’ve been meaning to for years. No, I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve been meaning to for a couple of decades.

I bought a flag today because I wanted to pay homage to family members who have proudly served our country. My two grandfathers fought in World War I. My five uncles (from the same family) all served during World War II—four returned safely, my uncle Cyril, whom I never knew, died during the Battle of the Bulge.

My late father trained at Fort Bragg and served during the Korean Conflict. My oldest brother served in Vietnam with a bedroom for an entire year consisting of a hammock strung between two trees in the jungle. My younger brother served around the world in the Air Force. And I also wanted to honor my nephew who recently returned from Afghanistan and is now stationed in South Korea.

I bought a flag today for Lindsey and Andrew—two young veterans and students in one of my recent Sociology classes at Cleveland Community College. Especially for Andrew who helped the entire class and myself better understand the chilling reality of post-traumatic stress disorder that he suffers from.

I bought a flag today as an expression of gratitude for the sacrificial service of all veterans and current military personnel serving around the globe.

I bought a flag today in thanksgiving of all the freedoms—perhaps better labeled “blessings”—that I enjoy each and every day of my life.

I bought a flag today, and, with the aid of a step ladder, drill, and screw driver, attached the flag mount to a porch post in less than ten minutes. As I inserted the flag for the first time and as it began to wave in the gentle breeze, I stood there feeling a tremendous sense of satisfaction, gratitude and pride.